I have a love/hate relationship with Bravo. Once my go-to station for interesting and diverse movies, Bravo has turned into a hot bed of poorly produced reality tv.
Top Chef often leaves me ready to hurl things at the television in a rage, mostly because I think the show's concept has such promise that I have no patience for their cheap gimmicks and manufactured drama.
That said, I have high hopes for Top Chef Masters. Using seasoned, professional, renowned chefs, I'm hoping the focus can be more about the creativity of the food and less about snarky repartee at the judges table. (I don't mind genuine, constructive criticism. Please see Chef Eric Ripert for examples.)
I also love that this is for charity. What a great way to get money for good causes, showcase some of our finest chefs, and provide some bonafide entertainment to boot.
The early episodes have four chefs compete for a prize of $10,000 and a chance to compete as part of 6 semi-finalists. This week showcased Hubert Keller (of Fleur de Lys), Christopher Lee (of Aureole), Michael Schlow (of Via Matta), and Tim Love (of Lonesome Dove).
Schlow, Lee, and Keller rest after grocery shopping. Photograph courtesy of the A-V Club.
